The
Autry Museum is proud to present an original exhibition
which explores the history and adventure of Jews in
the American West from early exploration along the Santa
Fe Trail in the 1820s through decades of immigration
and settlement in Western towns and cities. Jewish
Life in the American West concludes with the Immigration
Act of 1924 that effectively curtailed the influx of
European Jewry. The exhibition emphasizes the contributions
of Jews who built their homes throughout the West. From
homesteaders in utopian agricultural communities to
the entrepreneurs who created one of Americas
greatest exports, the film industry, these pioneers
became leaders in business, culture, and community identity
while contributing to the diversity of Western communities.